#5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers:


  • participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
  • exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others
  • evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning
  • contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community


My artifacts demonstrating this standard (What?)

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 Website filtering summary


In summary, the teachers in our district are frustrated with blocked websites. I'm sure there are many sites that our adminstration, school board and parents do not think are appropriate for the classroom.
We must present our learning/informational websites in a timely manner to the administration. The time period for approval of these sites may be lengthy, so careful planning on our part would be essential. I think the availability of more websites will eventually be offered to us.



Rigor Redefined


Yes, I agree with the author. Times have changed and students need to possess different skills than were required of them in the past. Today's competitive society needs people who are prepared to enter the work force with little or no training. Critical thinking, analytical, collaborative and problem solving skills are imperative.

The examples of different teaching lessons were interesting. The first three reminded me of my high school and college days. There was a lot of lectures and note taking. We were there to learn the material and pass the test. The last example is of our present day classroom. Students must use analytical, collaborative, critical thinking and problem solving skills to be successful in our competitive world.

I try to challenge my kindergarteners each day. I want my students to explain how they arrived at an answer, brain storm and work in cooperative groups to solve problems. Sometimes it is successful. Their age and maturity have much to do with it on this level. I will continue to challenge my students and incorporate more technology into my curriculum.

The technological tools I will use in my class are my Smartboard, wikis, blogs and voice threads. These tools will enhance my lessons and provide my kindergarteners with a wealth of information. It will teach them the necessary skills they need to advance their education and be productive learners.

Modue 7 --- Global Networking


When I reviewed the social networking sites, I found that NING and Twitter were similar. It was interesting that these sites offer the chance to create a learning community within the classroom or school district. I do think it is a great source to keep parents and students informed.
I will use my Diigo to bookmark webpages and share educational websites. A classroom wiki will also offer my students and parents information.





My Reflection on meeting this standard (So What?)

The technology tools I have learned will help me to grow professionally and enrich my teaching curriculum. I will use my Diigo to have easy access to saved websites and voice threads to enrich student projects.

My Future Learning Goals related to this standard (Now What?)

In the future I will promote global learning and encourage communication with Mexican teachers and students as we study Monarch activity.